Published AAO appeal decisions

A performing artist sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed Filipino Awit Award and association membership. AAO held Awit Award reflects only national, not international, recognition; insufficient to meet criteria; and petitioner failed to demonstrate sustained top-level acclaim or intent to continue work in United States.

A musician and drummer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. Claimed ASCAP membership, published materials, and original contributions to music field. AAO held membership criterion not met because ASCAP does not require outstanding achievement; other criteria unsupported by evidence; and overall evidence insufficient to show sustained top-level acclaim necessary for classification.

A fine artist petitioned for EB-1A classification. Although labor certification was filed, the petitioner checked the EB-1A box on Form I-140 but submitted no evidence satisfying any of the ten criteria for extraordinary ability, and the AAO dismissed the appeal without considering alternative classifications.

Mixed media artist self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability in arts, met published materials and exhibitions criteria but failed to meet required third criterion. AAO affirmed denial, finding insufficient evidence of sustained national or international acclaim at very top level.

Peking Opera performer claimed extraordinary ability through competition wins and professional association membership. AAO affirmed denial, finding awards lacked evidence of national or international recognition, association membership did not require outstanding achievement, and overall evidence did not demonstrate sustained acclaim at the very top.

Actor petitioner claimed extraordinary ability and met three regulatory criteria: awards, published material, and judging. AAO affirmed all three were satisfied and found the totality of evidence demonstrated sustained national acclaim and extraordinary ability qualifying for EB-1A classification.

Singer petitioner failed to establish sustained national or international acclaim at very top of field. AAO found awards too dated, published material evidence inadequate, judging and original contributions criteria unmet, and dismissed appeal for insufficient extraordinary ability evidence.

An arts petitioner sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. The service center denied for failure to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim or meet three regulatory criteria. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal because petitioner failed to identify specific erroneous conclusions of law or fact, despite counsel's promise to submit a brief.

A self-petitioner dance instructor claimed extraordinary ability through awards, membership, and published material. The AAO found awards from youth events insufficient, membership requirements did not reflect outstanding achievement, and published material lacked proper documentation. Overall evidence did not demonstrate top-level sustained acclaim.

A Georgian folk singer and choirmaster self-petitioner claimed EB-1A extraordinary ability in the arts. He asserted five criteria: awards, membership, judging, original contributions, and high salary. The AAO found none met and concluded his work with Ensemble Kutaisi, while moderately successful, did not establish top-level sustained acclaim.

An opera singer petitioned for EB-1A extraordinary ability. She submitted evidence of a Thierry Mermod Prize and student competition awards. The AAO found the major award did not constitute major international recognition and student competition awards do not evidence top-level acclaim, dismissing the appeal.

A pianist applied for EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. She claimed three criteria: lesser awards, membership, and published material. The AAO found each criterion not met and concluded the evidence did not establish sustained national or international acclaim at the very top of music performance.

Architect and web designer claiming extraordinary ability in arts and design. Petitioner claimed meeting criteria for awards and published material based on work inclusion in design publications and books. AAO rejected awards claim and published material claim, finding neither establishment of nationally recognized prizes nor publications about petitioner; aggregate evidence insufficient.

A dance troupe performer and musical director in Filipino folk music sought EB-1A classification. AAO held he failed to meet the awards criterion through certificates and scholarships, did not establish qualifying membership requirements, and lacked evidence of sustained acclaim at the very top of the field.

A lute teacher self-petitioned for EB-1A classification claiming extraordinary ability in the arts. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner failed to establish awards, judging, or scholarly articles criteria with evidence of national or international acclaim at the highest level required.

Model petitioner claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A through awards, published material, and original contributions. AAO upheld director's denial, finding competition limited to novices insufficient, publications predated filing, and no evidence original style influenced field significantly.

A petitioner in the arts sought extraordinary ability classification. The director found sustained acclaim was not shown. On appeal, counsel only stated that evidence was sufficient and promised a later brief that never arrived. The AAO summarily dismissed the appeal for failure to identify any specific error. No criteria were analyzed.

Chinese opera stage designer and performer petitioner claimed awards, association membership, and published material recognition. AAO found awards lack national or international recognition standards, membership criteria not met, and photograph appearance without name insufficient to establish published material criterion.

Dance professional and promoter sought EB-1A classification in arts. Claimed awards and membership criteria through scholarship, certificates, and dance troupe affiliation. AAO found these do not meet extraordinary ability standard. Overall record shows past talent but insufficient evidence of sustained acclaim at very top level.

Photographer sought EB-1A extraordinary ability classification. AAO upheld director's denial, finding petitioner showed professional success and talent but failed to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim necessary for top-tier classification.

Lacquer painter claiming extraordinary ability under EB-1A. Petitioner submitted evidence of local award, association membership, and published materials. AAO found award lacked national or international recognition, membership did not require outstanding achievement, and published material was not primarily about petitioner or in major media. Appeal dismissed.

Self-petitioner painter sought extraordinary ability classification. Evidence included membership in Dokuritsu Art Association with national recognition requirements, exhibitions at Tokyo Art Museum and New York galleries, and published material. AAO found petitioner met three criteria, established sustained national acclaim, and showed plans to continue work in United States; petition approved.

Dance teacher and competitive dancer self-petitioner claimed extraordinary ability under EB-1A. AAO found only three criteria addressed: awards from youth and amateur competitions insufficient, no published material in major media, and coaching success limited to youth level. Appeal dismissed despite adequate evidence of intended continued work.

Self-petitioner artist claims extraordinary ability through awards, membership, and exhibitions. AAO affirmed service center denial, finding only local recognition, no recent achievements, and failure to meet three required criteria. Decision also found fraud and material misrepresentation regarding biographical history.

A paper-cutting artist sought extraordinary ability classification. She claimed awards and institutional recognition. The AAO dismissed the appeal, finding the petitioner submitted fraudulent documentation and failed to demonstrate national or international acclaim at the very top level.